India

Degrees earned, future frozen: Indian students in Canada challenge work permit rejections

US Missile Stockpiles Under Scrutiny as Pentagon Rushes to Boost Production

Prolonged military operations in the Middle East have raised concerns about the adequacy of America's interceptor missile reserves. Defense analysts warn that supplies of key systems, including Patriot and THAAD, are running low. President Trump has publicly maintained that the US holds sufficient munitions while simultaneously pushing for increased output. The Pentagon is responding by awarding multi-billion-dollar contracts aimed at accelerating missile manufacturing. These deals are intended to replenish critical components and strengthen overall production capacity.

OpenAI, Statsig to pay $3.2M to settle US worker discrimination claims

OpenAI and Statsig have agreed to pay $3.2 million to resolve allegations of employment discrimination against US workers. The companies were accused of favoring temporary visa holders over American citizens and permanent residents for certain technology roles. Federal investigations found that their recruitment practices for specific positions were discriminatory. The settlement includes civil penalties as well as compensation for the workers who were affected. Going forward, OpenAI is required to overhaul its hiring processes for roles involving permanent labor certification.

Heavy Monsoon Rain Causes Waterlogging and Traffic Chaos in Delhi-NCR

Heavy monsoon rainfall lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region, leading to widespread waterlogging across several areas. The downpour coincided with peak hours, triggering significant traffic congestion on major roads. Commuters faced considerable delays as vehicles moved slowly through flooded stretches. The disruption affected daily movement across the Delhi-NCR region.

Tarun Tejpal found guilty of rape: A timeline of acquittal and conviction

Hiroshima Marks 81 Years Since Atomic Bombing, Urges Nuclear Disarmament

Hiroshima held its annual memorial ceremony to mark the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of the city. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended the event for the first time in her capacity as prime minister. Takaichi pledged to pursue a realistic approach toward building a world free from the use of nuclear weapons. The commemoration renewed calls from leaders and survivors for global nuclear disarmament.

Neil Armstrong's 1908 Childhood Home in Ohio Listed for $430,000

The boyhood home of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong has been put up for sale in Wapakoneta, Ohio, at an asking price of $430,000. Built in 1908, the two-storey property has been carefully maintained for nearly four decades. The house retains many of its original features, preserving its strong historical connection to the first man to walk on the Moon. The current owner is seeking a buyer who will continue to respect and honor the home's significant legacy.

Iran Says Hormuz Deal With Oman Near, But Reopening Hinges on US Actions

Iran has indicated it is close to reaching an agreement with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, but stated that any reopening of the waterway depends on the United States. Since the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, Tehran has maintained de facto control over the strategic strait. Iran has threatened vessels transiting routes it considers unauthorised during this period. The Hormuz strait is a critical global shipping lane, making its status a matter of significant international concern.

Anthropic Building In-House Chip Team to Boost Claude AI Performance

AI company Anthropic has announced plans to assemble an internal chip design team dedicated to improving its Claude AI models. The company is actively recruiting engineers with expertise spanning both hardware and software development. The goal is to co-design custom chips alongside AI models to enhance Claude's speed and efficiency. This initiative aims to meet the growing computational demands of Anthropic's customers at scale.

Uttarakhand rain alert: Landslides, road closures hit Char Dham routes; several schools shut

Assam Flood Death Toll Reaches 95, Over 1.6 Lakh People Affected Across 14 Districts

Devastating floods in Assam have killed 95 people and displaced more than 1.6 lakh residents across 14 districts. Six additional deaths were recorded on Wednesday, with Sivasagar district among the worst affected areas. State authorities have set up over 100 relief camps to provide shelter to those forced from their homes. The flooding has also destroyed thousands of hectares of agricultural land and caused significant damage to public infrastructure.

Meta Launches Llama Spark 1.1 with Developer Preview Access

Meta has unveiled an upgraded AI model called Muse Spark 1.1, now available in preview for developers. The model is capable of writing and debugging code, as well as operating software and external tools. It can process multiple types of input, including text, images, and video. The upgraded system is also designed to handle complex, multi-step tasks while requiring less human oversight compared to previous versions.

India Pushes for Return of 11th-Century Goddess Vagdevi Idol from British Museum

The Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the return of an 11th-century idol of Goddess Vagdevi currently held at the British Museum in the UK. The sculpture, believed to originate from Madhya Pradesh, is considered a significant piece of India's cultural and religious heritage. Indian authorities have formally urged the British side to repatriate the artifact. The push is part of a broader ongoing effort by India to reclaim historical treasures that were taken abroad during the colonial era.

'Crazy radicals who want war': Vance sees 'messy' negotiations with Iran ahead

New Zealand councillor attends live council meeting on Zoom from her bathroom

Dunedin City Councillor Jo Galer drew widespread attention after joining a televised council meeting via Zoom from her bathroom, with laundry visible in the background. The city's mayor lightheartedly suggested she reposition her camera to maintain a more professional appearance. Adding to the moment, a shadowy silhouette appeared behind a frosted glass door while the council was discussing its budget. The incident quickly went viral online, capturing public amusement across social media. The episode has since prompted broader conversations about maintaining professional boundaries in remote work settings.

Bombay HC Convicts Tarun Tejpal in 2013 Rape Case; He Plans Supreme Court Appeal

The Bombay High Court has convicted journalist Tarun Tejpal on charges of rape and outraging modesty, overturning his earlier acquittal by a Goa sessions court. The case stems from allegations made by a junior female colleague in 2013. Tejpal has denied the charges, claiming he is a political victim, and announced plans to challenge the conviction in the Supreme Court. The verdict was welcomed by the former investigating officer and the Advocate General, who called it a victory for justice.

OpenAI seeks dismissal of Apple trade secret suit, calls it talent war pretext

OpenAI has filed a 31-page motion urging a US federal judge to throw out Apple's trade secret lawsuit, describing the claims as baseless. The AI company argues Apple is using litigation to mask its own struggles in recruiting AI talent and integrating AI into its products. OpenAI also contends that Apple's iCloud policy inadvertently allowed former employees to retain access to company files. Apple alleges that over 400 of its ex-employees have joined OpenAI and is seeking a court injunction against the company.

Nagpur Teen Rescued After Kidnap and Rape; Food Delivery Order Led Police to Accused

A 16-year-old girl from Nagpur was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by an acquaintance she had connected with over social media platforms including Instagram, Snapchat, and online gaming apps. The accused, described as a friend of the victim, had maintained contact with her through these digital channels before committing the crime. Police were able to trace and rescue the teenager after a food delivery order placed by the accused revealed his location. Authorities acted swiftly on the lead, leading to the arrest of the perpetrator. The case highlights growing concerns around minors' safety on social media and online gaming platforms.

Google Elevates Nobel Laureate Demis Hassabis to Alphabet Chief Scientist

Google has appointed Demis Hassabis, a Nobel Prize laureate, to the newly created role of Chief Scientist at Alphabet, Google's parent company. As part of this leadership reshuffle, Hassabis will step down as CEO of Google DeepMind and transition into the role of its chairman. The move marks a significant shift in how Google structures its top AI leadership. Hassabis has been a central figure in Google's artificial intelligence efforts through his work at DeepMind.

'No fees or tolls': How the Iran-Oman deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz will work